 The main part of the city of Palencia evolved on the left bank of the River Carrión
and the medieval nucleus is polarised around two principal monuments;
the cathedral and the church of San Miguel.
Over time, the city
extended beyond these two landmarks gravitating, amoeba-like, around
the convents of San Francisco and San Pablo.
To the east of the medieval city centre a long road of communication,
the Calle Mayor, developed and its porticos are now protected from
urban decay normally associated with traffic by a system of
pedestrianization that allows unimpeded access free from the threat of
injury, death or toxic inhalation.
Modern buildings view for attention next to ancient
constructions. The town hall, of 19th century provenance, dominates the
small Plaza Mayor whose porticos date from the 17th century.
Palencia has always possessed two small yet vital bridges.
That known as the Puentecillas provided communication between the
cathedral and the district of Allende el Río. It’s medieval
construction has been altered by later necessary improvements but its
six arches provide a clear indication of its provenance.
 The main bridge further upstream, built in the 15th century ahs also
been substantially altered and renovated but, again, its arched
construction is typical of its medieval origin.
The magnificent cathedral of Palencia has indications of
several phases of construction. The crypt, Visigoth in origin, was
extended by order of Sancho El Mayor in 1035 in Romanic style and built
over during the second half of the 12th century.
Over some 500 years
the cathedral was extended, its high vaulted roof completed and its
cloisters and principal chapel finalised. The exterior is a festival of
spires and almost fluid inflexibility and the many gargoyles are of
particular interest although many of these were rebuilt in the 19th and
early 20th century.
Other important monuments in the city include the church of
San Miguel which, centrally located in the old quarter of the city,
represents the iniciation of the gothic school of architectural
thought.
The church of San Lázaro, which tradition says was built
inside a leper’s hospital following the wishes of El Cid Campeador by
his descendant Alonso Martínez de Olivera, was rebuilt following a fire
that destroyed its vaulted roof.
Palencia is a regal city filled with Visigoth, Romanic and
Gothic buildings that are worth a couple of days of slow contemplation
in order to appreciate the beauty of their creation and admire the
genius of master craftsmen whose long-dead hands fashioned works of
such Masonic perfection.
More information
http://www.turwl.com
http://www.dip-palencia.es
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